Safer Speakers for Exercise

Exercise can be challenging when you workout on your own. One motivational technique that we love is to play music when we run, walk, bike and so on. The problem with some headphones, especially for bikers, is that there have been, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half a million emergency room visits due to bicycle-related injuries, and over 900 bicyclists were killed. Now, many people are pushing for the new laws to determine whether or not they can wear headphones as they are engaging in these activities. There are additional states that are currently considering legislation regarding the practice. However as these times are changing, so is the way that we can listen to our music when we workout.

Enter BiGR Audio, a company that makes specialty headphones and innovative Bluetooth wrist speakers. We recently tested out their WristBoom line during a run to see how it would compare to our traditional ear buds. With the WristBoom you simply wear this wireless speaker around your wrist, like watch. Having never listened to music this way, I was totally skeptical of the sound quality and also the ease to change songs. With my red WristBoom, I started by standard run and was actually really shocked at how crisp the sound quality was. I keep looking at my WristBoom in quasi disbelief that this small gadget was creating such clear sounds. I also loved how it created a new sense of alternates to my morning runs. I was able to hear the sounds of people and cars around me that enabled me to be aware and conscious in a way that traditional headphones used to block out.

Advisable in 7 really cool colors (check them out above), I also found really easy to set up the device where it easily connected via Bluetooth to my Smart Phone-it also connects via an iPod, tablet and/or computer. Additionally, the device is water resistant, lightweight, and has a battery life of 4-6 hours, and allows for hands-free phone calls. As someone who needs music to workout, I really loved how the WristBoom offers an alternative to traditional headphones while providing the same quality without blocking out the world that we all still need awareness of.

Additional info on staying informed and protected when you cycle and/or run:

Know the laws and guidelines for where you will be cycling or running. This is especially important if you will be taking a vacation and getting some exercise. Even places such as Quebec in Canada have laws against using headphones while cycling. Knowing the laws will help you avoid getting tickets.

Even if there are no laws regarding headphones in your state, if you choose to wear them opt for using only one. That will leave one ear free for hearing traffic and what is going on around you.

Seek out an alternative to listening to music in your ears while you are bicycling or running, such as wearing the Wristboom. The Wristboom is a watch-style Bluetooth speaker that gives people the ability to wear it while cycling, running, and walking. It’s water-resistant (for sweat) and provides a safe way for people to listen to a personal music device as they are engaging in the physical activities they enjoy.

Runners who are signing up for marathons, especially if they are in states they don’t reside in, should check the rules regarding headphone or earbud use for the run. There are many marathons today that don’t allow headphone use, so you will want to consider alternatives, such as the Wristboom option.